19-lower alkyl-delta4-pregnen-20-one derivatives



United States Patent 3,213,085 19-LOWER ALKYL-M-PREGNEN-ZO-ONE DERIVATIVES Albert Bowers, Mexico City, Mexico, assignor to Syntex Corporation, Panama, Panama, a corporation of Panama No Drawing. Filed June 12, 1962, Ser. No. 201,776 11 Claims. (Cl. 260-239.55)

The present invention relates to novel cyclopentanophenanthrene derivatives and to a process for the production thereof.

More particularly, the present invention relates to novel 19-lower alkyl-l9-hydroxy and 19-lower alkyl-l9- keto-N-pregnen-ZO-one derivatives and to 19-lower alkyll9-hydroxy and 19-lower alkyl-l9-keto derivatives of cortical hormones.

The novel compounds of the present invention are represented by the following formulae:

In the above formulae R represents hydrogen, hydroxyl or a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy group of less than 12 carbon atoms; T represents hydrogen, a-hydroxy, aacyloxy, a-methyl or ,B-methyl; T and R together repre sent the group I r R4 at the 160:, 170L-pOSltlOI1, wherein R and R each repre sent a lower alkyl group; R and R each represent a hydrogen or a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R is hydrogen; OR and T together represent the group wherein R and R have the same meaning as defined above; Y represents a keto group or a pl-hydroxy group; X represents a lower alkyl group.

The acyl and acyloxy groups are derived from hydrocarbon carboxylic acids containing less than 12 carbon atoms which may be saturated or unsaturated, of straight, branched, cyclic or cyclic-aliphatic chain, aromatic and may be substituted by functional groups such as hydroxy, alkoxy containing up to 5 carbon atoms, acyloxy containing up to 12 carbon atoms, nitro, amino or halogen. Typical ester groups are the acetate, propionate, enanthate, benzoate, trimethylacetate, t-butylacetate, phenoxyacetate, cyclopentylpropionate, aminoacetate, and fi-chloropropionate.

"ice

The compounds represented by Formulae A and B are powerful progestational agents with good oral activity. In addition they have anti-androgenic, anti-gonadotrophic and anti-estrogenic properties and are very useful in fertility control. Furthermore, they may be used in the treatment'of premenstrual tension and exhibit blood cholesterol lowering and diuretic activities. When applied topically, these compounds are very useful in the treatment of acne.

The compounds represents by Formulae C and D are valuable cortical hormones with high anti-infiamatory, low catabolic, glycogenic and thymolytic activities. In addition, they are anti-androgenic, anti-gonadotrophic and anti-estrogenic hormones. Furthermore, they have high topical activity in skin disorders, such as psoriasis, alergic dermatitis and the like.

The novel compounds of the present invention are prepared by the process illustrated by the following formula scheme:

CH3 O M zOR CH OR (VI) (IX) In the above formulate R, R R R T and X have the same meaning as hereinbefore set forth.

In proceeding in accordance with the above scheme, the starting compound (I) which is a 19-lower alkyl- 19 hydroxy 3,20 bis cycloethylenedioxy-A -pregnene derivative, is conventionally treated with an acid to give the corresponding 19-lower alkyl A pregnen 19 ol- 3,20-dione (II) which upon oxidation, preferably with Jones reagent, yields the corresponding 19-lower alkyl- A pregnene 3,19,20 trione compound (III). The 19-lower alkyl A pregnen 19 ol 3,20 dione derivatives having an oxygen at C-17oc (II; R#H) are treated with iodine, in the presence of calcium oxide, to give the corresponding 21-iodo derivatives, which, upon reaction with potassium acetate under anhydrous conditions, yield the corresponding 19-lower alkyl-A -pregnene-17a,19,21- triol-3,20-dione 2l-acetate derivatives (IV). The 19-free hydroxyl of the latter compounds is oxidized, preferably with Jones reagent to give the corresponding 19-lower alkyhA -pregnene-17o,21-di0l-3, 19,20 trione 21 acetate compounds (VII). The Zl-acetoxy compounds (VI, VII) upon incubation with adrenal glands in a suitable medium, e.g., an aqueous solution of alkali metal phosphates and chlorides and magnesium sulfate, mixed with an aqueous solution of fumaric acid and sodium hydroxide, for a period of time of the order of 3 hours, at approximately 28 to 30 C., yield the corresponding 21-acetoxy-11,8- hydroxy compounds (V, VIII) which upon oxidation, preferably with Jones reagent afford the corresponding ll-keto derivatives (VI, IX).

The compounds of the present invention having a 16a,17a-ketonide grouping yield the corresponding 16a, 17oc-dlO1S by conventional treatment with a strong acid, such as formic acid. The obtained diols, upon conventional esterification in pyridine with an acylating agent, as for example acetic anhydride or caproic anhydride afford the corresponding 16-acylates.

The compounds of the present invention having a 2l-acyloxy group, may be saponified by conventional treatment with a base to produce 21-free alcohols which in turn may be acylated conventionally in pyridine with an acylating agent to give the corresponding 2l-acylates, wherein the acyl group may be different from the previously saponified one.

The compounds of the present invention having a 17cchydroxy group, are esterfied in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid with an acylating agent, such as propionic anhydride, thus afiording the corresponding 17ot-acyloxy derivatives.

The following specific examples serve to illustrate but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention:

Example I A solution of 5 g. of 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy-19- methyl-A -pregnen-19-ol (obtained in accordance with my copending US. patent application Serial No. 201,797, filed June 12, 1962) in 250 cc. of acetone was treated with 1 cc. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and the mixture kept at room temperature overnight. It was then poured into water, extracted with methylene chloride and the organic extract washed with water to neutral, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave 19- methyl-A -pregneri-l9-ol-3,20-dione (Compound No. 1).

The starting compounds listed under I (obtained in accordance with the aforesaid patent application) were treated by the same technique, thus yielding the corresponding products under 11.

Com- I pound II 3,20-biscyeloethylenedioxy- 2 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnenigail -dimethyl-A -pregnem 19-01 3,20-dione.

-o 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy- 3 16B,l -dimethyl-A -pregnengflfil -dimethyl-N-pregnen 19-0l-3,20-di0ne.

-o 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy- 4 16u,17a-is0propy1idene- IMAM-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A -pregneni150fiy-IQ-methyI-A -pregnen- 19-ol-3,20-dione.

-o 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy- 5 IQ-methyl-N-pregnene-1711,19-

g-g eghyl-A -pregnene-17a, diol 3,20-dione.

10 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy- 6 16a,IQ-dimethyl-N-pregnene 16a,19-dimethyl-A -preg- 17a,19-diol-3,20-dione. nene-17a,19-diol. 3,20-his-cyclocthylenedioxy- 7 16B,IQ-dimethyl-N-pregnene- IGBJQ-dImethyLA -preg- 17a,19-di0l-3,20-di0ne. nene-17a,19-di0l. 3,20-bis cycloethylenedioxy- 8 19-ethyl-A -pregnen-19-o1-3,20-

19-ethyl-A -pregnen-19-01. dione. 3,20-biscycloethylenedioxy- 9 16a-methyl-laethyl-A -preg- 16amethyl-19-ethyl-A nen-19-ol-3,20-dione. pregnen-1901. 3,20-bis-cyeloethylenedioxy- 10 lfifi-methyl-19-ethyl-A -preglfifi-methyl-lQ-ethyl-N- nen-19-o1-3,20-dione. pregnen-19-ol. 3,ZO-bis-eycloethylenedioxy- 11 16a,17a-isopr0pylidenedioxyl6a,17a-isopr0py1idene- 19-ethyl-N-pregnen-lQ-olilgoxly-w-ethyl-A -pregnen- 3,20-dione.

-0 3,20-biscycloethylenedioxy- 12 19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17a,19-

IIQ-eithyLM-pregnene-lh,19- dio1-3,20-dione.

10 3,20-bis-cycloethylenedioxy- 13 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-A lfiwmethyl-w-ethyl-A pregnene-IM,19-diol-3,20- pregnene-17a,19-diol. dione. 3,20-bis-eycloethylenedioxy- 14 1GB-methyl-lQ-ethyl-N-preglfifi-methyLlQ-ethyl-M- nene17a,19-diol-3,20-dione. pregnene-17a,19-diol.

In preparing the aforementioned 19 lower alkyl 19 hydroxy 3,20-biscycloethylenedioxy A pregnene starting materials, a A pregnene 3,8,19 diol 20 one derivative is treated under Oppenauer conditions for approximately 15 minutes to produce the corresponding A -pregnen-19-ol-3,2O-dione, which upon reaction with ethylene glycol in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid yields the corresponding 3,20 biscycloethylenedioxy- A pregnen 19 01. The 19-hydroxyl group of this 3,20-biscycloethylenedioxy compound is then oxidized in a neutral or slightly basic medium, preferably with chromium trioxide in pyridine, to give the corresponding 3,20 biscycloethylenedioxy A pregnen 19 01, which upon treatment with a lower alkyl magnesium halide, such as methyl or ethyl magnesium bromide, or a lower alkyl lithium compound in an inert solvent, such as benzene, yields the corresponding 3,20-hiscycloethylenedioxy-l9- loWer alkyl-19-hydroxy-A -pregnene.

Example II A solution of 1 g. of 19 methyl A pregnen 19- ol-3,20-dione (Compound No. 1) in 10 cc. of acetone Was cooled to 0 C. and treated under an atmosphere of nitrogen and with stirring, with a solution of 8 N chromic acid (prepared by mixing 26 g. of chromium trioxide with 23 cc. of concentrated sulfuric acid and diluting with water to cc.), until the color of the reagent persisted in the mixture. It was stirred for 5 minutes further at 0-5 C. and diluted with water. The precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried under vacuum, thus affording a crude product which upon recrystallization from acetone-hexane gave 19-methyl-A pregnene-3,l9,20-trione (Compound No. 15).

The Compounds Nos. 2 to 14, inclusive were treated following the same procedure, thus afiording respectively: Compound No.:

16. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-3 ,19,20-trione.

17. 16,8,19-dirnethyl-A -pregnene-3 ,19,20-trione.

18. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnene-3,l9,20-trione.

19. 19-methyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,19,20-trione.

20. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,l9,20-

trione.

21. 16B,19-dimethyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,19,20-

trione.

22. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-3,19,20-trione.

23. l6a-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-3,19,20-trione.

24. 16B-methyl- 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-3 19,20-trione.

25. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A pregnene-3,19,20-trione.

26. 19-ethyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,19,20-trione.

27. 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,19,20-

trione.

28. 16B-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnen-17a-ol-3,19,20-

trione.

Example 111 A cooled solution of 4 g. of 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy 19 methyl A pregnen 19 ol 3,20 dione (Compound No. 4) in 30 cc. of tetrahydrofuran and 18 cc. of methanol was treated under continuous stirring with 6 g. of pure calcium oxide, in small portions, and then with 6 g. of iodine. The stirring was continued at room temperature until the solution turned pale yellow. The mixture was poured into ice water containing 18 cc. of acetic acid and 2 g. of sodium thiosulfate. After stirring for minutes the solution was decanted and the precipitate was collected by filtration, thus giving the 21-iodo derivative of the starting compound.

This compound was mixed with 80 cc. of acetone and 12 g. of recently fused potassium acetate and the mixture was refluxed for 8 hours, concentrated to a. small volume, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate; the extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated until crystallization started. The precipitate was collected and crystallized from methanol-water, thus yielding the 21-acetate of 160:,170: isopropylidenedioxy 19 methyl A pregnene-19,21-diol-3,20-dione (Cpd. No. 29).

Following the same procedure, there were treated the Compounds Nos. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14, thus affording respectively:

Cpd. No.:

30. The 21-acetate of 19-methyl-A -pregnene- 17a,19,2l-triol-3,20-dione.

31. The 21-acetate of 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene- 17a,19,21-triol-3,20-dione.

32. The 2l-acetate of 16B,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene- 17a,19,21-triol-3,20-dione.

33. The 21-acetate of 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy- 19-ethyl-A -pregnene19,21-diol-3,20-dione.

34. The 21-acetate of 19-ethyl-A -pregnene- 17a,1 9,2 1-triol-3 ,20-dione.

35. The 21-acetate of 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-A pregnene-17u,19,21-triol-3,20-dione.

36. The 21-acetate of 16B-methyl-19-ethyl-A pregnene-17a,19,21-triol-3,20-dione.

Example IV The Compounds Nos. 29 to 36, inclusive, were treated according to Example 2, thus giving respectively:

Cpd. No.:

37. 16oz,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnen-Z1-ol-3,19,20-trione acetate.

38. 19-methylA -pregnene-l7ot,21-dio1-3,19,20-

trione 21-acetate.

39. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17a,2l-diol- 3,19,20-trione 2lacetate.

40. 16B,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17a,2l-diol- 6 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate. 41. 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-l9-ethyl-A pregnen-2l-ol-3,19,20-trione acetate.

42. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,2l-diol-3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

43. 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-M-pregnene-17u,21-diol- 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

44. 16/8-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,2l-diol- 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

Example V The following solutions A, B and C were prepared using distilled water as solvent solution A was prepared by mixing 425 cc. of a 1.742% dipotassic phosphate solution (K HPO with 75 cc. of 1.38% monosodic phosphate; solution B was prepared by diluting a mixture of 1 1t. of 4.5% sodium chloride solution, 40 cc. of a 5.75% potassium chloride solution and 10 cc. of a 19.1% magnesium sulfate, to a volume of 5 1t.; solution C was prepared by dissolving 20.9 g. of fumaric acid and 14.4 g. of sodium hydroxide in 1 1t. of water and diluting the solution to 1.2 It. Then 475 cc. of solution A, 4.32 It. of solution B and 1.2 It. of solution C were mixed.

Adrenal glands of recently slaughtered cattle, defatted, were ground in a meat grinder until a homogeneous mass was obtained; to 1 kg. of homogenate was added 2 liters of the mixture of A, B, and C solution with vigorous stirring. To the mixture there was then added 1 g. of Compound No. 29 dissolved in 5.35 parts of propylenglycol, the mixture was stirred at 2837 C. for 3 hours, 13 liters of acetone were added and the mass was stirred at room temperature for an additional 1 hour.

The acetone extract was separated by filtration, the ground adrenals were washed with 6 liters of acetone, the extracts were combined and the solvent removed by distillation under reduced pressure. Chromatography on alumina and crystallization of the solid fractions afforded l6oz,l7u-isopropylidenedioxy 19 methyl A pregnene- 11B,19,21triol-3,20-dione 21-acetate (Cpd. No. 45).

Following the same procedure there were treated the Compounds Nos. 30 to 44, inclusive, thus yielding respectively:

Cpd. No.:

46. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-1l,B,17a,19,21-tetrol- 3,20-dione 21-acetate. 47. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11fi,17a,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 21-acetate. 48. 16B,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 21-acetate. 49. 161x,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A pregnene-l1B,19,21triol-3,20-dione ZI-acetate. 50. l9-ethyl-A -pregnene-115,17u,19,21-tetrol-3,20-

dione 21-acetate.

51. 16ot-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-1 16,170, 19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

52. 16,8-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11,8,17u,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 2l-acetate. 53. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnene-l15,21-diol-3,19,20-trione 21-acetate. 54. 19methyl-A pregnene-11fi,17a,21-triol3,19,20-

trione 21-acetate.

5 5 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene 1 1,5, 17a,21tri0l 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

56. 16/8,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11fi,17oc,21-triol- 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

5 7. 16cc, 17a-isopropylidenedioxy- 1 9etl1yl-A pregnene-l16,21-diol-3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

5 8. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-1 1B,17a,21-triol-3,19,20-

trione 21-acetate.

59. 16a-methy1-l9-ethyl-A -pregnene-l 1 [3,17oc,21

triol-3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

60. 16B-methyl-19-ethyl-A -preg'nene-1 1,B,17a,21-

triol-3, 19,20-trione 21-acetate.

'3' Example VI A mixture of 1 g. of 16a,17a-isopropy1idenedioxy-19- methyl-M-pregnene-l 1.,8, 19,21-trio l-3,20-dione 21-acetate (Cpd. No. 45) 4 cc. of pyridine and 2 cc. of acetic anhydride was kept at room temperature overnight, poured into ice water, the formed precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried. Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave 16a,17a-is0propy1idenedioxy-19-rnethyl-A -pregnene-l15,19,21-tri01-3,20dione 19,21-diacetate (Cpd. N0. 61).

By the same procedure, the Compounds Nos. 46 to 52, inclusive, were respectively converted into:

Cpd. No.:

62. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11 8,17oc,19,21-tetrol- 3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

63. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11(3,17a,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

64. 165',19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17oc,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

65. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A pregnene-11,8,19,21-tril-3,20-dione 19,21- diacetate.

66. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,19,21-tetrol- 3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

67. 16a-methy1-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-1 15, 17oc,19,2 1-

tetrol-3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

68. 16,8-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-11,8,17m,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione 19,21-diacetate.

Example VII The Compounds Nos. 53m 68, inclusive, were treated in accordance with Example 2, thus giving respectively:

Cpd. No.:

69. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnen-21-o1-3,1 1,19,20-tetrone acetate.

70. 19-methyl-M-pregnene-170:,2l-diol-3,11,19,20-

tetrone 21-acetate.

71. 16a19-dimethy1-A -pregnene-17a,21diol- 3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

72. 16B,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17a,2l-diol- 3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

73. 16a,17u-isopr0pylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A pregnen-21-ol-3 ,1 1,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

74. l9-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,21di01-3,11,19,20-

tetrone Z-acetate.

75. 16a-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17a,21-diol- 3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

76. 16,8-methy1-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,21-diol- 3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

77. 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnene-19,21-dio1-3,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

78. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-17oc,19,21-trio1- 3,1 1,20-tri0ne 19,21-diacetate.

79. 16a,19-dimetl1yl-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-triol- 3,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

80. 16 B, 19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17a, 19,2 1 -trio1- 3,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

81. 16a,17oc-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-19,21-diol-3,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

82. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-trio1-3 ,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

83. 16a-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-trio1- 3,1 1,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

84. 16/3-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-triol- 3,11,20-trione 19,21-diacetate.

Example VIII A suspension of 1 g. of Compound No. 45 in 60 cc. of methanol was treated with a solution of 1 g. of potassium carbonate in 6 cc. of water; the mixture was boiled under reflux for 1 hour and then cooled in ice and diluted with water. The formed precipitate was collected and recrystallized from acetone-hexane to yield l6oc,l7ot-iSO propylidenedioxy 19-methyl-A -pregnene-115,19,21-triol- 3,20-dione (Cpd. No.

Following the same procedure there were treated the Compounds Nos. 46 to 60, inclusive, thus yielding respectively the following compounds:

Cpd. No.:

86. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-115,17a,19,21-tetro1- 3 ,20-dione.

87. 16a,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-di0ne.

88. 16 ,8, 1 9-dimethyl-A -pre gnenc- 11,B,17a,19,21-tetrol-3,20-dione.

89. 16a,17a-is0pr0pylidenedi0xy-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11,8,19,21-triol-3 ,20-dione.

90. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-1lfl,17a,19,21-tetrol-3,20-

dione.

91. 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,19,21-

tetrol-3,20-dione.

92. 165-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11,B,17a,19-21- tetrol-3-20-dione.

93. 16a,17a-is0propylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnene-11[3,21-diol-3 ,19,20-trione.

94. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11B,17oc,21-tri01-3,19,20-

trione.

95. 16a,19-dimethy1-A -pregnene-1 1,8, 1700,21-11101- 3,19,20-trione.

96. 16p,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-1 lB,l7a,21-1Ii0l- 3,19,20-trione.

97. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-l113,21-dio1-3,19,20-trione.

98. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11fi,17a,21-triol-3,19,20-

dione.

99. 16a-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11p,17a,21-

triol-3,19,20-trione.

100. 16,8-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-11B,17a,21-

triol-3,19,20-trione.

Example [X The Compounds Nos. 69 to 84, inclusive, were treated in accordance with Example 8, thus yielding respectively: Cpd. No.:

101. 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methy1-A pregnen-21-ol-3,11,19,20-tetrone.

102. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-17u,21-diol-3,1 1,19,20-

tetrone.

103. 19-dirnethyl-M-pregnene-17a,21-diol-3,1 1,

19,20-tetrone.

104. 165,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17u,21-diol-3 ,11,

19,20-tetrone.

105. 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethy1-A -pregnen-21-o1-3,11,19,20-tetrone.

106. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17u,21-diol-3,11,19,20-

tetrone.

107. 16u-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17u,21-diol- 3,11,19,20-tetr0ne.

108. 16,6-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,21-diol 3,11,19,20-tetrone.

109. 16oz,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A pregnene-19,21-diol-3 ,11,20-trione.

110. 19-methyl-M-pregnene-17a,19,21-triol-3,11,20-

trione.

11 1. 16a,19-dimethy1-A -pregnene-17u,19,2 l-triol- 3 ,11,20-tri0ne.

1 12. 16/3,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-7a,19,21-tri01- 3,11,20-trione.

1 13. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethylA -pregnene.-19,21-diol-3,11,20-trione.

1'14. 19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-triol-3,11,20-

trione.

1 15. 16a-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17u,19,21-

triol-3,1 1,20-trione.

116. 16,8-methyl-19-ethy1-A -pregnene-17a,19,21-

triol-3 ,1 1,20-trione.

9 ExampleX 1 g. of 16a,17a-is0propylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A -pregnen-19-ol-3,20-dione (Cpd. No. 4) was heated on the steam bath with 20 cc. of 60% formic acid for 1 hour, cooled, diluted with water. and the precipitate was collected, washed with water, dried, and recrystallized from acetone-hexane, thus affording 19-methyl-A -pregnene- 16a,17a,19-triol-3,20-dione (Cpd. No. 117).

The Compounds Nos. 11, 18, 25, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, and 113 were treated by the same procedure, thus giving:

Cpd. No.:

118. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16u,17a-19-triol-3,20-

dione.

1 19. l9-methyl-M-pregnene-16a,17a-diol-3 ,19,20-

trione.

120. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16u,17ocdiol-3,19,20-

trione.

121. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11,8,16a,17a,19,21-

pentol-3,20-dione.

122. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11fi,16a,17a,19,21-pentol- 3,20-dione. V

123 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11B,16a,17a,21-tetro1- 3,19,20-trione.

124. 19-ethy1-A -pregnene-11fl,16a,17a,21-tetrol- 3,19,20-trione.

125. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,21-triol-3,11,

19,20-tetrone.

126. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,21-triol-3,11,19,

ZO-tetrone.

127. 19-methyl-M-pregnene-16a,17a,19,21-tetro1-3 1 1,20-trione.

128. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-160:,1711,19,21-tetrol-3,11,

ZO-trione.

Example XI The Compounds Nos. 86, 90, 94, and 98 were treated in accordance with Example VI, except that acetic anhydride was substituted by caproic anhydride, thus affording respectively:

Cpd. No.:

129. l9-methyl-A -pregnene-l1fi,l7a,19,21-tetrol-3,

20-dione 19,21-dicaproate.

130. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11,8,17a,19,21-tetrol-3,2O-

dione 19,2 l-dicaproate.

131. l9-methyl-A epregnene- 1 1,6,17a,21-tr.iol-3, 19,

' ZO-trione 21-caproate.

132. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,21-triol-3,19,20-

trione 21-caproate.

Example XII The Compounds Nos. 117 to 128, inclusive, were treated in accordance with Example XI, thus yielding respectively:

Cpd. No.:

133. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,19-trio1-3,2O-

dione 16,19-dicaproate.

134. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,19-triol-3,20-

dione 16,19-dicaproate.

135. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a-diol-3,19,20-

trione 16-caproate.

136. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,diol-3,19,2O-

trione 16-caproate.

137. 19-methyl-A -pregnene- 11p,16x,17u,19,21-

pentol-3,20-dione 16,19,21-tricaproate.

13 8. 19-ethy1-A -pregnene-1 1 8,160, 170:, 19,21-pentol- 3,20-dione 16,19,21-tricaproate.

139. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11/3,16a,17a,21-tetrol- 3,19,20-trione 16,21-dicaproate.

140. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11fl,16a,17a,21-tetrol-3,

19,20trione 16,21-dicaproate.

141. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,21-triol-3,11,

19,20-tetrone 16,21-dicaproate.

10 142. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16u,17a,21-triol-3,11,19,

20-tetrone 16,21-dicaproate. 143. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-16a,17a,19,21-tetrol-3 11,20-trione 16,19,21-tricaproate. 144. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-16a,17u,19,21-tetrol-3,1 1,

ZO-trione 16,19,21-tricaproate.

Example XIII To a solution of 5 g. of 19-methyl-A -pregnene-170:,19- diol-3,20-dione (Cpd. No. 5) in cc. of anhydrous benzene there were added 1 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid and 10 cc. of propionic anhydride and the mixture was allowed to stand for 24 hours at room temperature, poured into ice and water, and the resulting mixture stirred to effect hydrolysis of the excess anhydride The benzene layer was separated and washed with 10% sodium carbonate solution and water. Drying, evaporation and crystallization of the residue from ether-hexane produced 19-methyl-A -pregnene-17a,-19-d-io l-3,20 dione dipropionate (Cpd. No.

Following the same procedure there were treated the Compounds Nos. 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 yielding respectively:

Cpd. No.:

146. l9-d.imethyl-A -pregnene-17a, l9-dio1-3,20-

dione dipropionate.

147. 1613,19-dimethyl-A -pregnene-17a,19-diol-3,2O-

dione dipropionate.

148. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-l7a,19-diol-3,20-dione dipropionate.

149. 16oc-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-17a,l9-diol-3,

20-dione dipropionate.

150. 16/3-methyl-19-ethyl-A -pregnene-l7u,19-diol- 3,20-dione dipropionate.

I claim:

1. 160:,1700 isopropylidenedioxy-19-methyl-A -pregnen- 19-ol-3,20-dione.

2. 16a,17u isopropylidenedioxy-19-ethyl-A -pregnen- 19-ol-3,20-dione.

3. A compound of the following formula:

CH OR carboxylic acyloxy of less than 12 carbons, a-methyl and B-methyl; OR and T together are the group wherein R and R each is a lower alkyl group; Y is selected from the group consisting of ,B-hydroxyl and keto; X is a lower alkyl group and R is selected from the group Consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms.

4. 19-methyl-A -pregnene-11B,17a,21-triol-3,19,20 trione 21-acetate.

5. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene-11fl,17a,21-triol 3,19,20-trione 21-acetate.

6. 19-methyl-A pregnene :,21 diol-3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

7. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene 17a,21-diol-3,11,19,20-tetrone 21-acetate.

8. 19-methyl-A -pregnene 17a,19,21-t1i01-3,11,20-t1'ione.

1 1 9. 19-ethyl-A -pregnene 17a,19,2l-triol-3,11,20-trione. 10. A compound represented by the formula:

CHzOR wherein R is a hydrogen atom; T is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, u-hydroxy, a-hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy of less than 12 carbon atoms, a-methyl and B-methyl, OR and T together are the group wherein R and R each represent a lower alkyl group; X is a lower alkyl group and R and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,969,304 1/ 61 Wettstein et a1. 51 3,014,931 12/61 Nishikawa et al. 260397.1 3,039,926 6/62 Shull 16765 3,087,940 4/63 Rubin 260397.4

LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No v 3 213,085 October 19, 1965 Albert Bowers It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 11, lines 3 to 12, the formula should appear as shown below instead of as in the patent:

Signed and sealed this 24th day of May 1966.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patent 

3. A COMPOUND OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULA: 